Easy Thanksgiving Turkey

Ingredients

1. 1

   Step 1

   Thaw and temper

   • Ingredients:
     • 12 to 20 pounds turkey
   • Action: Thaw in the fridge 24 hours per 5 pounds, plus a buffer day. Let sit at room temperature 1 hour before roasting.
2. 2

   Step 2

   Prep oven and butter

   • Ingredients:
     • 1 cup unsalted butter
     • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
     • 1/2 teaspoons black pepper
     • 6 to 8 cloves garlic
     • 1 tablespoon chopped rosemary
     • 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
     • 1/2 tablespoons chopped sage
   • Action: Preheat oven to 325 F. Mix butter with garlic, salt, pepper, and herbs.
3. 3

   Step 3

   Season cavity

   • Ingredients:
     • Turkey
     • Onion
     • Lemon
     • Apple
     • Herb sprigs
   • Action: Remove giblets, pat turkey dry, season cavity, and stuff with aromatics.
4. 4

   Step 4

   Butter under the skin

   • Ingredients:
     • 2 to 3 tablespoons herb butter
   • Action: Loosen breast skin and spread herb butter underneath.
5. 5

   Step 5

   Roast

   • Ingredients:
     • Prepared turkey
   • Action: Roast at 325 F for 13 to 15 minutes per pound, tenting with foil once browned.
6. 6

   Step 6

   Check doneness

   • Ingredients:
     • Digital thermometer
   • Action: Remove turkey when thigh and breast reach 165 F. Rest 20 to 30 minutes before carving.
7. 7

   Step 7

   Reserve drippings

   • Ingredients:
     • Pan drippings
   • Action: Strain drippings for gravy.

Step insights

• Resting allows juices to redistribute before carving.

Equipment

• Digital thermometer

• Roasting pan with rack (or disposable roasting pan + veggie rack)

• Basting brush

• Large cutting board

• Aluminum foil